Salem Public Library: 10 trending summer reads to check out

Wednesday

Jul 12, 2017 at 2:05 PMJul 12, 2017 at 2:05 PM

By Eleni Karavoussianissalem@wickedlcoal.com

Are you once again left searching for the perfect summer read? The Salem Public Library recently offered a list of its 10 most requested books for the summer, along with a brief description and suggestions of similar titles to read. Check 'em out!

1. “Into the Water” by Paula Hawkins – This intricately woven tale tells the story of a woman who returns to her hometown after her sister’s drowning to take care of her sister’s daughter. By the same author of “Girl on the Train,” as her new novel poses a very suspenseful summer read.

While you’re waiting, check out:

“The Fifth Petal” by Brunonia Barry

“Ill Will” by Dan Chaon

“The Winter People” by Jennifer McMahon

2. “The Identicals” by Elin Hilderbrand – This summer read set in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard explores the complex relationship of a pair of polar opposite twins. A perfect beach read as the book goes into lovely detail of the island life with a compelling plot of dynamic characters to go along with it.

While you’re waiting, check out:

“The Silver Boat” by Luanne Rice

“First Comes Love” by Emily Giffin

3. “Theft by Finding” by David Sedaris – This book consists of short, humorous essays about the author’s daily life from overhead conversations that captured his attention, gossip, and secrets from strangers.

While you’re waiting, check out:

“Killing Yourself to Live” by Chuck Klosterman

“Running with Scissors” By Augusten Burroughs

“Cool, Calm, and Contentious” by Merrill Markoe

4. “House of Spies” by Daniel Silva – This novel chronicles the continuing adventures of Gabriel Allon, Israeli assassin and spy, with today’s geopolitical climate as a chilling, realistic backdrop.

While you’re waiting, check out:

“The Innocent” by David Baldacci

“The General’s Daughter” by Nelson DeMille

“The Faithful Spy” by Alex Berenson

5. “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness” by Arundhati Roy – A provocative love story exploring powerful emotions experienced by diverse protagonists searching for meaning, love, and a place of safety in India

While you’re waiting, check out:

“The Lowland” by Jhumpa Lahiri

“The Strangeness in My Mind” by Orhan Pamuk

“Everybody’s Fool” by Richard Russo

6. “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles – The story of an aristocrat man watching from a hotel window as Russian history unfolds from the confines of house arrest.

While you’re waiting, check out:

“Bel Canto” by Ann Patchett

“The Mayakovsky Tapes” by Robert Littell

7. “Saints for All Occasions” by J. Courtney Sullivan - A story of Irish immigrants and the changes that come as they grow older. Declared by The Washington Post to be this year’s best book about family.

While you’re waiting, check out:

“The Visitors” by Patrick O’Keeffe

“The Walking People” by Mary Beth Keane

“Ashes of Fiery Weather” by Kathleen Donohoe

8. “The Late Show” by Michael Connelly – The first in a new series featuring Detective Renee Ballard as she investigates the beating of a prostitute in the parking lot and a night club shooting against department orders and her partner’s wishes.

While you’re waiting, check out:

“Stardust” by Joseph Kanon

“The Silent Spirit” by Margaret Coel

9. “Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance – A memoir of the author’s rise from poverty and an honest look at the troubles white working class America goes through.

While you’re waiting, check out:

“The End of Eddy” by Edouard Louis

“White Trash” by Nancy Isenberg

10. “Hunger” by Roxane Gay – A memoir of food, weight, and body image. An important read as Roxane Gay opens up and uses her experiences as a powerful reflection.